WIU Alumni Association Announces 15 Simultaneous Events Around the World on Purple and Gold Day 2015

Western Illinois University and your WIU Alumni Association will celebrate Purple and Gold Day 2015 with 15 simultaneous events around the world on Friday, April 24.

The Purple and Gold Day tradition began April 24, 2000, when the University closed its year-long 100-year celebration with the "Centennial Finale: A Celebration of Purple and Gold." That date in 2000 marked 100 years to the day (April 24, 1899) that the Illinois Legislature approved the creation of Western Illinois University, then Western Illinois State Normal School. Members of the University community are encouraged to wear the colors to express their school spirit on that day, and this year, are also encouraged to attend one of the 15 events.

Cities and locations will be announced throughout the coming weeks and months via the website, email, social media and the Western News. Events will include an evening social with food and drinks, along with a message from WIU streamed live to all 15 locations. Be sure to save the date to help us celebrate this great tradition in a way like never before! Join us at a city near you on April 24, 2015.

Four Alumni to Serve on Alumni Council

Four new members will serve a three year term on the Western Illinois University Alumni Council beginning July 1, 2014. The new members include Tom O'Brien ’07, John Meixner '95 '05, Kellie Esters '93 and Erika Lowe '09.

Comprised of 25 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, the Alumni Council represents the interests of Western's more than 125,000 alumni. Members serve as liaisons to various University areas and on advisory boards. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association. The council meets on a quarterly basis.

WIU Greek Organizations Raise More than $60,000 Through Community Service

The fraternities and sororities of Western Illinois University raised nearly $61,000 for charitable organizations through community service and chapter philanthropy during the 2013-2014 academic year.

The 29 social Greek-lettered organizations on campus raised $60,829 for local and national charities and performed 10,795 hours of community service.

The Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity again led fundraising totals, bringing in a total of $19,668. Much of the fraternity's charitable giving was made possible by its annual "Smokin' Hog" barbeque, with proceeds donated to Macomb-area charities. The AGR chapter also put in 2,045 hours of community service during the academic year.

The Chi Omega sorority led the Greek community's community service hours, putting in a total of 2,200 hours and raising $12,513 for local and national charities. The sorority holds an annual "Walk for Wishes" walk/run event to raise money for the national Make a Wish Foundation.

Read the Summer 2014 Western News Online

The Western News, a complimentary Alumni Association publication, is published quarterly and mailed to nearly all of our 125,000 alumni and many friends of the University. The Western News contains information about academics, Athletics and organizations, class notes, and special features on alumni who distinguish themselves through outstanding accomplishments. Be sure to send us your news at wiu.edu/alumni/updates and we will include it in the Classsnotes section of the next issue. Read the Summer 2014 issue today at wiu.edu/alumni/Western_News.php.

WIU Law Enforcement Classes Begin July 19 in East St. Louis

Beginning Saturday, July 19, Western Illinois University's School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) will offer undergraduate and graduate law enforcement courses, including fire administration courses, both online and in East St. Louis.

According to LEJA Director Terry Mors, the school will offer one course beginning July 19. Additional courses will be offered in subsequent semesters. Individuals, including current law enforcement and fire professionals, in the St. Louis Metro region may take classes online or at East St. Louis City Hall. Individuals interested must apply to the University as soon as possible at wiu.edu/admissions to be considered.

Western Wednesdays in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Quad Cities area

Your WIU Alumni Association began a tradition not long ago with the first of many Western Wednesdays After Hours! We continued the tradition on a bimonthly schedule in Chicago, launched Western Wednesdays in Washington D.C. last January, and just launched Western Wednesdays in the Quad Cities at the beginning of May. We'll rotate every other month in the Quad Cities area and continue to rotate every other month in Chicago and Washington D.C.! Hundreds of alumni have joined us every month for great food, great conversation and a few beverages!

And don't forget to see us at the John Deere Classic on Sunday, July 13th! Stop by our tent located on the 7th hole tee box and receive your WIU rally fan!

WIU "Chicago Homecoming"

In addition to our traditional on-campus Homecoming events on October 3-4, WIU will host a "Chicago Homecoming" this fall when the Leathernecks take on the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 20. Leading up to the football game, we will be hosting alumni socials at various locations in the Chicagoland area.

Register for any of the above events online, call 309-298-1914 or fax 309-298-2914.

Can you find this exact Rocky (in black and white) somewhere else in the eNewsletter? If you find him, email us at
A-Association@wiu.edu and let us know where he was placed. One winner will be picked from all the entries emailed on the first day of the month and will get a WIU Prize Pack! Good luck! ****Congratulations to the June winner--Fawn Harris '85. She discovered Rocky on the Foundation and Development page.****

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